Current Research

Current research focuses on the ecology, distribution, and conservation of an endangered Nearctic-Neotropical migrant bird, the Kirtland's Warbler and associated species on the wintering grounds in The Bahamas. Because the warbler feeds on a mixed fruit and arthropod diet we are also studying abundance and phenology of the warbler's favored fruits as well as abundance of arthropod prey and the factors that affect the abundance of these food resources. Current research also involves studies to determine how the habitat is produced and maintained. Because our studies have focused primarily on the island of Eleuthera, we are now also conducting winter surveys of the warbler on other islands of the Bahamas archipelago to document variation in warbler habitat use and abundance.

Research Interests

Ecology, behavior and conservation biology of Neotropical birds and Nearctic-Neotropical migrant birds and their response to human and natural disturbances with the objective of identifying or devising management practices to ameliorate adverse effects. Interests also include disturbance ecology, especially the effects of hurricanes and droughts on tropical wildlife and their food resources.

Past Research

Previous research includes diverse studies mostly on birds: Avian song variation during development and its role in species and individual recognition; breeding ecology, social behavior and a morph ratio cline in the Bananaquit (a nectarivorous Caribbean songbird); response of avian nectarivores to variation in food supplies; development of avian foraging behavior; distribution and ecology of overwintering Nearctic-Neotropical migrant birds in the Caribbean; the effects of hurricanes on terrestrial bird populations and their food resources; role of animal seed dispersal in accelerating native forest regeneration on degraded tropical lands; the contribution of shade coffee plantations to avian diversity in agricultural landscapes; movements and habitat use of the Puerto Rican boa; and bird and bat diversity of terra firme forest in Amazonian Brazil and its response to treefall gaps and reduced-impact logging.

Why This Research is Important

My Forest Service research focuses on natural or anthropogenic disturbances that may negatively affect sensitive, threatened or endangered tropical wildlife with the goal of identifying and developing management actions that will ameliorate effects of these disturbances. The basic goal in my research, teaching, outreach, and capacity building activities is to help preserve tropical forest biodiversity. This biodiversity plays an important role in ecosystem services such as plant pollination and seed dispersal. regulating services by scavenging carcasses and waste, controlling populations of invertebrates and vertabrates pests, as well as importance for many forms of outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and is recognized for cultural and intrinsic values.

Education

Univ. of Minnesota, Ph.D. Ecology & Beahvior 1980

University of Minnesota, M.S. Ecology & Behavior 1976

University of Maine, B.S. Biology 1971

Professional Experience

Wildlife Team Leader & Research Wildlife Biologist, International Institute of Tropical Forestry1988 - Current

Director & Headmaster, Canadian Junior College for Marine Biology, Carriacou, Grenada, W.I.1977 - 1978Responsible for 45 students, 6 instructors, & 18 local support staff in this private school accredited by Ontario Ministry of Education.

Instructor, Canadian Junior College for Marine Biology, Carriacou, Grenada, W.I.1975 - 1976Instructor for grade 13 (Ontario) ecology and human evolution and assisted in lab and field in marine biology for two years 1975-76 & 1977-78

Awards & Recognition

Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, 2015From the American Ornithologists Union in recognition of "extraordinary scientific contributions to the conservation, restoration, and preservation of birds and their habitats".

President's Award, 2011From Soc. for Conservation & Study of Caribbean Birds for contributions to the Soc. and bird conservation in Bahamas & Caribbean

Research & Management Partnership Award, 2005From Wings Across the Americas program, USDA FS for Kirtland's Warbler Research & Training Project in Bahamas; shared with other participants.

Investigations Award, 2003From Partner's in Flight, for research findings of the Kirtland's Warbler Research & Training project in The Bahamas

Distinguished Service Award, 2003For distinguished service to the Society for Caribbean Ornithology